India suffered a 24-run defeat against West Indies in the fourth T20I at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, allowing the visitors to level the five-match series at 2-2. While Shai Hope‘s magnificent century and Keemo Paul‘s five-wicket haul played decisive roles in the contest, an incident involving India’s last-wicket batter Arshdeep Singh also attracted attention. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticised Shamar Joseph‘s approach after the West Indies pacer continued delivering short-pitched balls to Arshdeep despite the Indian fast bowler appearing to be in pain.
Sunil Gavaskar raises questions on Shamar Joseph’s game plan
India entered the final over needing 35 runs to win, with only Arshdeep rremaining as the recognised batter at the crease. During the closing stages of the chase, Joseph struck the Indian pacer on his left upper arm with a short delivery, leaving him in considerable discomfort.
The physiotherapist subsequently came onto the field to assess Arshdeep, resulting in a brief interruption. Although the Indian fast bowler attempted to continue his innings after receiving attention, Joseph persisted with his short-pitched approach.
The decision did not sit well with Gavaskar, who questioned the West Indies bowler’s tactics while commentating on the match. The veteran felt that Joseph could have focused on targeting the stumps rather than continuing to direct deliveries towards an already injured batter.
“He is aiming at him. Why attack the batter when the stumps are right there?,” Gavaskar commented on air.
Arshdeep eventually retired hurt after scoring five runs off four deliveries. India captain Shreyas Iyer, who was watching from the dugout, also gestured towards the batter to leave the field. The incident brought an additional talking point to a match that had otherwise been dominated by West Indies’ aggressive batting and disciplined bowling.
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West Indies set up series decider with splendid win in Hyderabad
West Indies delivered an outstanding batting performance after being asked to bat first, finishing their 20 overs at 247/3. Captain Hope led the charge with an unbeaten 102 off just 50 balls, including nine sixes, to register his second century of the series. Hope received excellent support from Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on 49 from 26 deliveries. Shimron Hetmyer also made an impact with a quickfire 33 off just 12 balls, helping the visitors establish a formidable total.
India needed 248 runs to win but began their chase positively, with Sanju Samson providing early momentum. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 56 off only 23 deliveries, giving the hosts hope of mounting a successful pursuit. Tilak Varma continued the fight with 43 off 25 balls. However, West Indies repeatedly found breakthroughs to prevent India from building the partnerships required to sustain the chase.
Paul proved particularly influential with the ball, claiming five wickets for 41 runs to dismantle India’s batting order. His spell ensured that the hosts could not capitalise on their promising start. India were eventually bowled out for 223, falling 24 runs short of the target. The victory brought West Indies level at 2-2 and ensured that the series would be decided in the fifth T20I in Bengaluru.
